Outstanding service to air force recognised
BY MICHAEL BERRY
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Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel were honoured at a medal ceremony at Base Woodbourne yesterday for their outstanding service in New Zealand and for helping to build clinics and schools overseas.
Flight Sergeant David Timbs received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for 15 years' unblemished service and the New Zealand General Service Medal Primary for his work as a liaison officer in Afghanistan last year.
The physical fitness officer was involved in "grassroots" work in Bamian province as a contact point between the Afghan people and the local government.
He said the work in the country was a worthy cause. "It's a big misconception – we're not fighting a war over there, we're building roads, clinics, schools and other infrastructure."
Flight Sergeant Lindsay Norriss received the clasp to his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, representing more than 30 years of service.
Flight Sergeant Norriss joined the air force in September 1978 and, unusually, spent his whole service at Base Woodbourne.
He had intended to stay in the air force only long enough to train before getting out, but the camaraderie changed his plans.
Now the base safety adviser, he said it was great to have survived 30 years in the air force. "I never thought I'd last long, but I stayed in because I loved it so much."
The commander of the Woodbourne Training Group, Group Captain Stephen Davies Howard, said sharing in the successes of others was the best part of his job and that yesterday was "a great example".
Group Captain Davies Howard thanked the recipients for their service and acknowledged the hardships borne by their partners and families. He noted that postings and overseas duties always seemed to coincide with moving house, the birth of children or other stressful times. "The recognition [of the medals and commissions] is as much for the families as it is for the recipients."
Recipients of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: Flight Sergeant Lindsay Norriss, Flight Lieutenant David Timbs, Sergeant Conrad Ware, Sergeant Dave Baker, Sergeant Robert Kesby, Sergeant Richard Crampton, Sergeant Jurgen Stockler, Sergeant Rodney Regan.
Recipients of the New Zealand General Service Medal: Flight Lieutenant Sam Paterson (for service in Timor Leste), Flight Lieutenant David Timbs (for service in Afghanistan).
Officers commissioned: Flight Lieutenant John Humfrey, Flight Lieutenant Mark Pearson, Flying Officer Damien Lea, Flying Officer Anna Collard.
- The Marlborough Express
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